Driver pleads guilty to reduced speeding charge; judge accepts plea and fines imposed

Winfrey Lee pleaded guilty to a reduced speeding charge Thursday in the State Court of Clayton County and was ordered to pay fines at the traffic court window to conclude the case.

In Courtroom 304, Judge Tammy Long Hayward accepted a negotiated plea in State of Georgia v. Winfrey Lee. Assistant solicitor William Tipton described the original allegation as driving 87 mph in a 65 mph zone on Aug. 5, 2024; as part of plea negotiations the State agreed to reduce the recorded speed to 82 mph and recommend a $200 fine. Tipton stated, “for plea negotiations, the state is reducing the speed to 82 miles per hour, and the fine will be a $200 fine.”

Defense counsel Courtney Morgan confirmed the plea covered only the reduced speed charge; counts 2 (tinting violation) and 3 (failure to have license on person) were to be nolle prosequi. Judge Hayward advised Lee of constitutional rights he was waiving by pleading guilty and asked if he understood. Lee affirmed he understood and the plea was entered.

The judge instructed Lee to go to the Second Floor traffic-court window to pay the fine and complete paperwork; the court noted that surcharges bring the total amount due to $298. The judge emphasized that the case would be complete once payment was accepted and directed Lee not to leave the courthouse without completing payment.

Speakers and courtroom participants included Judge Tammy Long Hayward; Courtney Morgan, attorney for Winfrey Lee; Assistant Solicitor General William Tipton; and Winfrey (Winfrey) Lee, the defendant.

Ending: The court accepted the plea, excused counsel and witnesses who were present for the plea, and closed that matter on the calendar.